Mumbai: Newcomer Aneet Padda, who became a big star following the box-office success of ‘Saiyaara’, has been named in the prestigious Forbes India 30 Under 30 list for 2026.
Besides Aneet, actors Abhay Verma and Lakshya have also a found a place in the coveted list, which marks an acknowledgment for emerging talent in the Hindi film industry, placing the spotlighting on young achievers who are redefining their fields with creativity, impact and promise.
Their inclusion marks a generational shift in Bollywood, where fresh faces are increasingly commanding attention through performance-driven roles and bold career choices. As the industry evolves, these young stars represent a future where authenticity and artistic depth are celebrated alongside commercial success.
1. Aneet Padda: Breakout star of 2025
Aneet has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most promising young actors at the age of 23. Her breakthrough performance in the 2025 film ‘Saiyaara’ won critical acclaim for emotional depth and screen presence, standing out in a year dominated by spectacle-heavy cinema. Known for her introspective nature and philosophical curiosity since childhood, Aneet’s rise has been both artistic and personal. She is now set to headline ‘Shakti Shalini’, a Maddock Films production focused on strong female narratives.
2. Abhay Verma: The grounded performer
Born in Panipat in 1998, Abhay started his acting journey with roles in shows like ‘Marzi’ and ‘Little Things’ before gaining recognition in ‘The Family Man 2’. His first lead role in ‘Safed’ (2023), screened at Cannes, earned him international acclaim, while his breakthrough came with Maddock Films’ ‘Munjya’ (2024), a commercial success that showcased his versatility. Abhay is now set to star in ‘Laikey Laaika’ opposite Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani and in ‘King’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan. With a strong background, critical recognition, and high-profile projects ahead, Abhay represents the new generation of Bollywood talent blending indie credibility with mainstream appeal.
3. Lakshya: The versatile newcomer
Lakshya Lalwani has swiftly become one of Bollywood’s most promising young actors, Beginning with his acclaimed television role in ‘Porus’, Lakshya transitioned to films where he made bold choices that showcased his versatility. His performance in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut OTT show ‘Bads of Bollywood’ earned praise for its intensity, while his gripping portrayal in a key role in Dharma Productions’ 2-24 film ‘Kill’ brought him international recognition as well Filmfare Award for Best Debut Actor.
